This video is not a substitute for medical advice. It is here if you want to go back over what was discussed at your appointment, in your own time and at your own pace.
Dr Catriona Melville, FRANZCOG, Gynaecologist and WHEN Board Member, explains medical management after a missed pregnancy loss in plain, practical terms. This video is designed as a resource to return to after your appointment, when the shock and emotion of the consultation may have made it hard to take everything in. She walks through the two medications used, what to expect when you take them, how to manage pain and side effects, what to watch for in terms of bleeding, and when to seek urgent help. She also covers follow-up care and what happens if the medication does not work fully.
Ashleigh, a mother of six who has also experienced six early pregnancy losses, shares what happened when she went through medical management of a miscarriage with almost no information or support. She describes being dismissed in the emergency department, sent home without guidance, and left to navigate the physical process alone, turning to an online mothers group to find the answers nobody had given her. Her account is honest and at times difficult to read. It is also exactly the kind of story this project exists to change.
Hannah shares what she wishes she had known about the physical process of miscarriage. She describes her own experience honestly, including the labor-like intensity that nobody had prepared her for, the confusion of still feeling pregnant symptoms, and the practical things that helped her through it. She also talks about what to expect with bleeding and clots, and the question of whether you might see or choose to collect your baby. Her account gives women information that is rarely shared clearly, and does it with care and without judgment.
What to expect if you use medication to help your body “let go”
Medical management i.e. medication is usually offered when a pregnancy loss has been confirmed, but the pregnancy hasn’t completely passed on its own. It’s one of the options used to manage a missed pregnancy loss. Some women choose it because they want to avoid surgery or waiting longer.
Medical management is usually taken at home, not in hospital. You’ll be managing this in your own space, which makes preparation important.
Some women have told us they weren’t prepared for how strong the pain or bleeding might be. Others said they felt caught off guard by side effects like nausea or dizziness. This section brings together what they said they wish they’d known, so you can plan ahead, ask questions, and make the space around you feel as safe and manageable as possible.
Medical care usually involves two steps, taken a couple of days apart.
Everyone experiences this differently. Some women feel okay with rest and pain relief. Others describe it as more intense than they expected. What’s important is knowing what’s normal and that support is available.
You may experience:
If you’re worried about managing pain or side effects, you can ask your doctor about pain relief and anti-nausea medication ahead of time.
Contact your doctor or seek emergency care if you:
You’ll usually have a follow-up appointment within one to two weeks. This is to check whether everything has passed and to talk about how you’re feeling. Some people need a second dose of medication. Your doctor may recommend surgical care to remove the remains of your pregnancy if everything has not passed.
Your next period may come a little earlier or later. Fertility can return quickly, sometimes within two weeks, so if you’re not ready for another pregnancy, ask about contraception.
You don’t have to know everything going in. If there’s something you’re unsure about, ask your GP or care provider. Here are some questions other women have found helpful:
This guide was written as a reference you can come back to. It’s not meant to replace medical advice, but to support it, especially if it’s hard to take everything in during appointments.
Developed by the WHEN Clinical Team
Clinically reviewed by the WHEN Clinical Governance Committee
Last reviewed: 22/06/2026
With clinical input from Dr Catriona Melville, FRANZCOG, Gynaecologist and Sexual and Reproductive Health specialist. Vice Chair, WHEN Board. Deputy Chair, RANZCOG Sexual and Reproductive Health Committee.
With clinical input from Kristina Fox, Community Pharmacist. Specialist in IVF and compounding services.
With clinical input from Naomi Clark, Bachelor of Pharmacy (Applied Honours), University of Tasmania.
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Need Immediate Help?
If you or someone you know is struggling during the postnatal period, it’s crucial to remember that immediate help is available. Here are steps and resources you can turn to:
In Urgent Situations:
Support Services:
Remember, you are not alone, and reaching out for help is a step toward healing. Your well-being is important, and support is just a phone call away.